Pennant likely to sign for S.League club Tampines within 24 hours

Former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant revealed that a deal to play for Tampines Rovers in the S.League is likely to be announced in the next 24 hours.

The 32-year-old midfielder has been on a week-long trial in Singapore since last Thursday, with five-time S.League champions Tampines, and is confident that a deal will take place soon.

Speaking at Jalan Besar Stadium before Wednesday's training session, Pennant was in a relaxed mood as he revealed to ESPN FC that a deal is imminent.

He said: "A deal is very close, and hopefully within the next 24 hours, we can find out more but I don't want to say too much and jinx anything. We will see what the chairman has to say and when he is ready to announce anything. But hopefully, we will hear something before we fly out for our training tour."

Also turning up for training is Canadian forward Jordan Webb, who has agreed to join Tampines, after a stellar season with the Courts Young Lions in the S.League last year.

Jordan Webb has joined Tampines from Courts Young Lions for the 2016 season. (Photo credit: S.League)

Head coach V. Sundramoorthy was pleased to have the two players in his team, and reckons the Stags have a strong squad to challenge on all fronts.

"It'll be great to have Pennant on board." said the Singaporean tactician. "He wants to work hard and be a positive influence to the team and the boys and I believe we are sending a good signal to the rest of the league.

"A player who has played in the Premier League for clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, what else do you need to bring the fans back. His performances in the past have already proven that he is a crowd puller so we hope to tie up a deal with him soon.

"Jordan is with us. He will play for us this season. He is a player with skill and can beat two to three players and bring in other teammates to the game. I believe his presence will definitely help the team. On paper, we look very strong but it must be transferred to the field, we hope to do well but we need to put in the hard work first."

Tampines are set to go on a training tour of Malaysia in the coming days, before heading to India to take on I-League champions Mohun Bagan in the AFC Champions League playoff first leg on Jan. 27.